Truck accidents are among the most devastating traffic collisions, often resulting in serious injuries, fatalities, and complex legal disputes. In California, truck accident victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, determining who is at fault depends on identifying the cause of the accident and proving negligence.
This guide covers the most common causes of truck accidents in California and how they affect legal claims.
1. Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations
Cause
- Truck drivers often work long hours, leading to drowsy driving.
- Federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations limit driving time, but some drivers violate these rules due to pressure from employers.
Legal Impact
- If a driver exceeded legal driving hours, the trucking company may be liable.
- Evidence:
- Driver logbooks (showing excessive driving hours)
- Truck black box data (recording driving times)
- Witness testimony from co-workers
Example: A truck driver falls asleep at the wheel, causing a head-on collision. Logbooks reveal the driver exceeded federal driving limits, making both the driver and the trucking company liable.
2. Speeding and Reckless Driving
Cause
- Large trucks require longer stopping distances.
- Speeding increases the risk of rollovers, jackknife accidents, and rear-end crashes.
Legal Impact
- Speeding truck drivers are presumed negligent.
- Evidence:
- Black box data (recording speed before the crash)
- Traffic camera footage
- Police reports citing speeding violations
Example: A truck driver exceeds the speed limit on a wet highway, leading to a multi-vehicle pileup. The victims sue the driver and trucking company for reckless operation.
3. Distracted Driving (Texting, GPS, and Eating)
Cause
- Truck drivers often use phones, GPS devices, or eat while driving.
- Even a few seconds of distraction at highway speeds can cause a serious crash.
Legal Impact
- Distracted driving is a clear form of negligence.
- Evidence:
- Cell phone records showing the driver was texting
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
- Witness statements from other motorists
Example: A truck driver texts while driving, veers into another lane, and sideswipes a passenger car, causing serious injuries. Phone records confirm the driver was using their device, proving liability.
4. Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance
Cause
- Faulty brakes, worn-out tires, and engine malfunctions can cause crashes.
- Some trucking companies cut costs by delaying maintenance.
Legal Impact
- If poor maintenance caused the accident, the trucking company or maintenance provider may be responsible.
- Evidence:
- Truck maintenance logs
- Inspection reports from the trucking company
- Expert mechanical analysis
Example: A brake failure causes a truck to rear-end a stopped car at a red light. An investigation finds the trucking company skipped routine brake inspections, making them liable.
5. Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
Cause
- Overloading increases braking distance and can cause tire blowouts.
- Improperly secured cargo can shift and cause rollovers or falling debris accidents.
Legal Impact
- The cargo loading company or trucking company may be responsible.
- Evidence:
- Cargo weight records
- Truck inspection reports
- Photos of the crash site (showing spilled cargo)
Example: A truck carrying steel pipes has an unbalanced load, causing a rollover accident. The cargo loader failed to secure the materials, making them liable.
6. Driving Under the Influence (DUI: Drugs and Alcohol)
Cause
- Some truck drivers use stimulants to stay awake, impairing judgment.
- Alcohol or prescription drugs can slow reaction time.
Legal Impact
- DUI truck drivers face criminal charges and civil liability.
- Evidence:
- Police toxicology reports
- Dashcam footage showing erratic driving
- Witness reports from other drivers
Example: A truck driver under the influence of methamphetamines causes a highway collision. The victims sue the driver and trucking company for negligence.
7. Poor Road Conditions and Weather Hazards
Cause
- Potholes, debris, and construction zones can contribute to crashes.
- Rain, fog, or ice makes it harder for trucks to stop safely.
Legal Impact
- If a government agency failed to maintain roads, they could be liable.
- Evidence:
- Road maintenance reports
- Weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Photos of the crash scene
Example: A truck loses control due to a pothole on a major freeway. The victims sue the city for failing to repair hazardous road conditions.
8. Blind Spots and Unsafe Lane Changes
Cause
- Trucks have large blind spots on all sides.
- If a driver fails to check mirrors, they can crash into nearby vehicles.
Legal Impact
- Truck drivers are responsible for checking blind spots before changing lanes.
- Evidence:
- Dashcam footage
- Police accident report
- Witness statements
Example: A truck merges into a car in its blind spot, forcing it off the road. The truck driver is found fully liable for failing to check mirrors.
9. Jackknife Accidents
Cause
- Sudden braking can cause a truck’s trailer to swing sideways, blocking traffic.
- Slippery roads and overloaded cargo make jackknifing more likely.
Legal Impact
- Liability depends on whether the driver was speeding, braking improperly, or if equipment failure contributed.
- Evidence:
- Black box data (showing sudden braking)
- Dashcam footage
- Truck maintenance records
Example: A truck jackknifes on a wet road due to worn-out brakes. The trucking company is held responsible for failing to maintain the vehicle.
10. Compensation Available in a Truck Accident Lawsuit
Victims may recover damages for:
Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, surgeries)
- Lost wages (if injuries prevent working)
- Property damage (car repairs or replacement)
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
- Physical pain and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages (If Gross Negligence Is Proven)
- Awarded if the trucking company knowingly violated safety laws
Conclusion
Truck accidents in California often involve multiple liable parties, including truck drivers, trucking companies, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and government agencies. Identifying the exact cause of a crash is essential for proving negligence and securing maximum compensation. Because trucking companies and insurers aggressively fight claims, victims should consult an experienced San Diego commercial truck accident lawyer to ensure their rights are protected.
References
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. (2023). Truck driver hours-of-service regulations. Retrieved from https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2023). Common causes of large truck crashes. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov
- California Department of Transportation. (2023). Truck accident statistics and legal claims. Retrieved from https://dot.ca.gov